Mid Century Modern Model Fickett Home in Encino Sells Above Asking Price

Mid Century Modern Model Fickett Home in Encino Sells Above Asking Price

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / No Comments

Images courtesy Nourmand & Associates Realtors

4552 Martson Drive

The home measures 3 Beds/2 Baths on 2,655 sqft on a lot size of 0.92 acres built in 1959. This home was first listed on April 29, 2015 for $1,595,000 and later sold on June 12, 2015 for $1,727,000. The listing description states:

Photographed for LIFE magazine by Ralph Crane this home is an architectural collaboration at it's finest. In 1959 award winning builder/contractor Stanley Martson and young Ed Fickett created this stunning see through glass house. Situated on a private, gated street of only 10 Martson built houses, 4552 was the premier model of Martson's development. The one acre of hilltop property offers panoramic, unobstructed views of SF Valley one side and Burbank to the San Gabriel mountains on the other. A perfect setting for the dazzling light infused home. Aggregate stone floors, custom teak Cado built ins & partitioned walls combined with open beam, cathedral ceilings bring surprising intimacy and warmth. An open chefs kitchen with Viking appliances and Sub zero refrigerators is complete with immense island. The thoughtful renovation of kitchen and baths stays true to it's Mid Century roots. A sparkling pool and captivating city lights make this an exquisite home for entertaining.

This mid century modern home is designed by Ed Fickett who was dubbed the "creator of the San Fernando Valley" and the "Frank Lloyd Wrigt of the 50's." He has designed more than 60,000 structures including the pool complex at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, the extension of the Nethercutt Antique Car Museum in Sylmar, the original Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the passenger and cargo terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Police Academy, and devised the master plans for the Edwards and Norton Air Force bases (LA Times and Daily News). Examples of other Fickett homes in the SFV can be found here and here. 

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.

Mid Century Modern Home in Encino by Fumio Yamamoto Hits the Market for the First Time Ever

Mid Century Modern Home in Encino by Fumio Yamamoto Hits the Market for the First Time Ever

Tuesday, August 4, 2015 / No Comments

Images courtesy Mike Glickman

5274 Genesta Ave

4 Beds/4 Baths on 3,722 sqft on a total lot size of 0.46 acres built in 1964. The home was designed by architect Fumio Yamamoto according to Survey LA but unfortunately there is very little information about Mr. Yamamoto. However, he designed one heck of a house back in 1964 for the Tasoff family which are now selling for the first time ever. Its hard to tell how much of the original features have been retained but online property records show that the home was updated in 1991. Listing description states:

Attention All Encino Buyers, Brokers, Agents & Investors! Here Is The Dream One Story 3,722 SqFt Amestoy Estates Home On A Huge 19,838 SqFt Flat Lot That You Will Truly Flip Over! A Once In A Generation Chance! The First Time On The Market Ever! Astonishing Opportunity! Potential Abounds! Perfect As Is Or Create Your Own Incredible Estate Or Spectacular Mansion Here! This Prized Property Is In The Most Sought After Encino Neighborhood! Area Of Much More Expensive Homes! Dazzling Contemporary Architecture With Great Curb Appeal And Circular Driveway! Unique One Of A Kind Fantastic Floor Plan! Granite Chefs Center Island Kitchen! Outstanding Master Suite With Walk-In Closet & Luxurious Bath With Spa Tub! Prime Heart Of Encino Location Is Moments To Everything! Plan Your Summer Parties In This Terrific Backyard With Sparkling Pool, Inviting Spa & BBQ! One Of The Most Special Encino Properties You Will Ever See. Let Your Imagination Soar! 2 Fireplaces! Skylights! 4 Bedrooms Setup As 3 Gigantic Bedrooms, Could Easily Be 4 Bedrooms Again! Rare Chance! Hurry! Hurry! Must See To Believe! Standard Sale! Do Not Miss! Encino Living At Its Best!

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.

Northridge Estate Designed by Jack C. Spak Hits the Market

Northridge Estate Designed by Jack C. Spak Hits the Market

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 / No Comments

Images courtesy First Team Real Estate

8944 Enfield Ave

5 Beds/5 Baths on 4,999 sqft on a total lot size of 0.40 acres built in 1953. The home is located near the CSUN campus and in the coveted Sherwood Forest zip code. This home truly stands out embodying architectural elements of art deco and mid century modern design. The home is available for $1.25 million as of May 21, 2015. Last changed hands on August 19, 2002 for $790K. Prior to the 2002 sale, the home sold for 2001 for $265K, 1977 for $145K, and 1975 for $73K. 

According to the listing, the home is designed by the late architect Jack C. Spak which to be honest, I never heard of, which might be due to the fact that there is very little information about him out there. A quick search in google led me to an LA Times article published on September 4, 1987 discussing a new design for John Wayne Airport by Spak representing Irvine based Gensler & Associates. Today, Gensler is based in San Francisco and is the #1 architectural firm. Spak was based out of Long Beach and I couldnt find anything else regarding other homes he designed so this could be one of the very few available. Spak was born on December 4, 1933 and passed away on Ocotober 10, 1999 at the age of 65.  

Architectural Art. A stunning Estate by the Late Architect Jack C. Spak. Have you ever missed a once in a lifetime opportunity and still regret it to this day? Don't let this house be your next miss. There will never be another home like this built and there is only one in existence. Do you like art? Do you enjoy stunning architecture?. From the Triangle peaked ceilings to the Dual Romeo and Julie Balconies, this home has everything demanded by even the most critical buyers. Do you like one of a kind rare items? Something no one else has or can ever have? Dramatic Angles, and Artistic styling are found in this one of a kind home. Timeless styling and design will impress your friends and set you apart from the crowd. Take a moment to relax by the pool or sit and read a book in one of the two libraries this home has. Take the spiral staircase to the artists loft and enjoy the afternoon painting or Entertain guests in the massive great room. Home also has a free standing guest apartment and a free standing gym housing 4 flat screen TVs (approx. . 600 square feet total) Jack C Spak homes are extremely rare as the majority of his designs were larger scale such as designing the John Wayne Airport. Come view this magnificent home before its gone.

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.